Chapter 2.101
COMPOST PROCUREMENT
Sections:
2.101.010 Purpose.
The intention of this chapter is to establish a compost procurement policy for Pacific to increase the diversion of organic materials going to landfills in order to reduce methane emissions as landfills are a significant source of methane emissions consistent with Chapter 43.19A RCW. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).
2.101.020 Definitions.
The following terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:
A. “Compost” means a product created with “composted material” as defined in RCW 70A.205.015(3). “Compost” includes, but is not limited to, 100 percent finished compost or blends that include compost as a primary ingredient. Mulch is considered a “compost” if it contains a minimum of 60 percent composted material. Bark is not a “compost.”
B. “Cost prohibitive” means a product purchasing cost that exceeds 10 percent of the cost of another product that would serve the same purpose.
C. “Local” or “locally” as to compost providers means that such provider is located within a 25-mile radius of the city limits of Pacific. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).
2.101.030 General policy.
A. Pacific shall plan for compost use in the following categories:
1. Landscaping projects;
2. Construction and postconstruction soil amendments;
3. Applications to prevent erosion, filter stormwater runoff, promote vegetative growth, or improve the stability and longevity of roadways; and/or
4. Low-impact development of green infrastructure to filter pollutants or to keep water on site, or both.
B. Compost products shall be purchased for use in city projects in which compost is an appropriate material or on city property, provided Pacific is not required to use compost products if:
1. Compost products are not available within a reasonable period of time or distance;
2. Compost products that are available do not comply with existing purchasing standards;
3. Available compost products do not comply with federal or state health, quality, or safety standards;
4. Compost purchase prices are not reasonable or competitive. Procurement costs will include the product cost and all associated transportation and delivery charges;
5. The total cost of using compost is financially prohibitive;
6. Application of compost will have detrimental impacts on the physical characteristics and nutrient condition of the soil as it is used for a specific crop;
7. The project consists of growing trees in a greenhouse setting, including seed orchard greenhouses; or
8. The compost products that are available have not been certified as being free of crop-specific pests and pathogens, including pests and pathogens that could result in the denial of phytosanitary permits for shipping seedlings.
C. Pursuant to RCW 43.19A.130, Pacific will strive to purchase an amount of finished compost products equal or greater than 50 percent of the amount of organic materials the city delivered to the compost processor. This plan will be re-assessed each December 31st of even-numbered years, beginning in 2024 and thereafter as part of the reporting obligations in this chapter. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).
2.101.040 Local purchasing.
Pacific will purchase finished compost products from companies producing compost locally, are certified by a nationally recognized organization, such as the US Composting Council, and produce finished compost products derived from municipal solid waste compost programs while meeting quality standards adopted by the Department of Transportation or adopted by rule by the Department of Ecology. If locally produced compost is not available, compost shall be sourced from outside the region, with preference given to products sourced as close as possible to Pacific. Proof that locally produced compost was not available at the time of purchase or was cost prohibitive shall be documented. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).
2.101.050 Education.
Pacific shall conduct educational outreach to inform residents about the value of compost and how the jurisdiction uses compost in its operations each year. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).
2.101.060 Reporting.
By December 31, 2024, and each December 31st of even-numbered years thereafter, Pacific shall report the following information to the Department of Ecology:
A. The total tons of organic material diverted each year;
B. The volume and cost of compost purchased each year; and
C. The source(s) of the finished compost product purchased. (Ord. 2071 § 2, 2023).